Medication-based Treatment

Medication-based treatment is at the centre of the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Usually various drugs are combined with complementary effective mechanisms. The same applies to psychiatric, internal and orthopaedic secondary illnesses. Some substance groups currently available differ greatly in their mode of action and side effects profile. Especially dopamine agonists and L-Dopa have proven successful. Depending on the pathological condition and the patient’s tolerance, NMDA antagonists (Amantadine), COMT inhibitors, MAO-B inhibitors and/or anticholinergic agents are also used.

When and in what form a specific medicinal treatment is initiated can only be decided in the individual case. The individual situation of the patient and the way he copes with his complaints and impairments in his personal and professional activities are the decisive factors. It must also be taken into account that data on dopamine agonists and MAO-B inhibitors are available that indicate that the course of the disease can be modified, and maybe slowed down.

In addition to the patient’s age, the clinical picture plays a significant role. The younger the patient, the longer the prescription of L-Dopa should be delayed. Due to the long duration of the illness, younger patients are more often affected by long-term complications such as fluctuations in mobility, dyskinesia (excessive movements) or dystonia (sustained muscle contractions). This is why it is important to regularly review the medication taken and to adjust it to the respective clinical picture.